CAPACITIVE SWITCHES

• US 20130206569A1
• Filed: 02/15/2013
• Published: 08/15/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 02/15/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Flextronics International Limited
• Original Assignee: Flextronics International Limited
• Inventors: Hornung, Heinz, Sierak, Thaddaus, Richter, Silvio
• Granted Patent: US 9,082,559 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 200/600
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/016 Input arrangements with force or tactile feedback as computer generated output to the user
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/02 Input arrangements using manually operated switches, e.g. using keyboards or dials
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 1/06 characterised by the shape or structure of the contact-making surface, e.g. grooved
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2025/004 the operating member being depressable perpendicular to the other directions
• CPC Class Codes: H03K 17/975 using a capacitive movable element

Abstract

A capacitive switch is comprises a sensor area and with a reference surface in which the sensor surface and the reference surface are configured to produce an electric field (E) between them. The sensor surface and the reference surface are arranged substantially in a common plane such that an electrical field (E) is formed between them with an arched line of force. A coupling surface is configured to move in a plurality of directions in space with respect to the sensor surface and reference surface. A lighting element is configured to illuminate the capacitive switch when activated. A tactile feedback device provides feedback as the capacitive switch is being actuated.

Claims

1. A capacitive switch having a sensor surface and a reference surface, wherein the sensor surface and the reference surface are adapted to generate an electric field between them, characterized in that the sensor surface and the reference surface are arranged substantially in a common plane such that the electric field is formed with arcuate field lines between the sensor surface and the reference surface, and further comprising at least one coupling surface arranged in the electric field and having a movement relative to the sensor surface and the reference surface that causes a change in capacitance between the sensor surface and the reference surface.

2. The capacitive switch of claim 1 characterized in that the coupling surface is movable in a plurality of directions in space with respect to the sensor surface and the reference surface.

3. The capacitive switch of claim 1 characterized in that the movement of the coupling surface is mechanically limited.

4. The capacitive switch of claim 1, characterized in that the coupling surface can assume at least two stable positions.

5. The capacitive switch of claim 1, characterized in that the coupling surface is coupled to an actuating element configured to displace the coupling surface.

6. The capacitive switch of claim 5, characterized in that the actuating element consists of a non-conductive material.

7. The capacitive switch of claim 1, further comprising a tactile feedback device configured to generate a reference acoustic communication at a third position of the coupling surface.

8. The capacitive switch of claim 7, characterized in that the tactile feedback device is integrally formed with the coupling surface.

9. The capacitive switch of claim 7, characterized in the that the tactile feedback device is formed integrally with the actuating element.

10. The capacitive switch of claim 7, characterized in that the tactile feedback device comprises snapping one of the at least one coupling surfaces.

11. The capacitive switch of claim 1, wherein the reference surface is coupled to a ground potential.